New Taipei City Library Banqiao Branch Demolished and Rebuilt, Integrating Library and Social Welfare Functions

Central News Agency (CNA) - (CNA reporter Cao Yayan, Wang Hongguo, New Taipei, July 6) The Banqiao Branch of the New Taipei City Library, which has served residents for nearly half a century, began its demolition and reconstruction project today due to its old age and seismic concerns. A future 8-story complex building will be constructed, integrating smart library and social welfare functions, with completion expected in 2029.

New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih stated at the demolition commencement ceremony today that the Banqiao Branch has a history of 48 years. In recent years, it has experienced issues such as roof leaks, concrete spalling, and steel bar corrosion. Following seismic and structural safety assessments, the building was confirmed to have safety concerns. The city government decided to demolish and rebuild to ensure public safety and create a new landmark for all ages.

The New Taipei City Cultural Affairs Bureau stated that the Banqiao Branch will be rebuilt on its original site as a complex building with one basement level and eight above-ground floors. Floors 1 to 4 will be designed to include areas for parent-child reading, diverse thematic reading, and accessible reading spaces for individuals with disabilities. Floors 5 to 8 will house the Welfare Service Center for the Visually Impaired, the Joyful Intellectual Disability Service Center, and the Community-Based Day Care Center for Individuals with Disabilities. Future plans also include a connecting walkway to the campus, making it more convenient for students to use the library.

Director of the Public Works Bureau, Feng Zhao-lin, pointed out that the total project cost is approximately NT$342.47 million. The project will connect to the adjacent Banqiao Elementary School, echoing the local historical and cultural imagery of "Fangqiao." A connecting skybridge is planned to enhance the connection between the campus environment and public spaces.

Hou Yu-ih said that New Taipei City has invested over NT$1 billion from 2019 to 2025 to build 11 reading venues and renovate 188 reading spaces, with the total collection exceeding 9.79 million volumes. The "Second Main Library" in Sanchong District is continuously progressing. The Sanzhi Branch will be completed and opened in October this year, and the space renovation project for the "Banqiao Guoguang Library Reading Room" will be completed by the end of the year. (Editor: Li Xizhang) 1150706

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